Love that wonderful old coffee table, chair or other natural wood furniture piece but not the damage done by years of loving use? A little patience and some time you can easily fix minor damage; we do suggest for valuable antiques or major damage you search out a professional.
For minor scratches along the edge or corner of a piece, simply clean thoroughly with a mild soap or Murphy’s oil mixed with water, then use a felt-tip touch up pen in the correct tone to fill in, and finally apply a coat of paste wax to the area and adjacent area to provide an even sheen.
For more major damage, like a gouge or a major scratch you will want to first gather all the materials you will need for the fix:
Mild dishwashing soap, or Murphy’s oil, and water
600 grit sand paper (may not be necessary depending on the damage)
Wax stick that matches the finish color (you may need to use more than one to get the match perfect)
Credit card
Piece of paper bag around a flat block
Thoroughly clean the area you will be working, be sure to remove any dust, dirt, wax or other build up. You may need to sand lightly the damaged area and just a little beyond to provide a nice smooth service, especially if there are any raised damaged areas. Once the area is properly prepped rub your wax stick over the damage until it is slightly over filled. Use the edge of your credit card to scrape away any excess wax, the surface should be level with the surrounding area. Then use a piece of brown paper bag wrapped around a flat block to be sure the surface and surrounding surface is truly void of any excess wax. Apply paste wax over the entire surface you have been working on to provide a nice even sheen.
When in doubt don't forget a well established carpenter or master carpenter is your best option!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
The storms they are a coming, are you ready? Do you know how to protect your home from wind, ice and snow damage? With a few simple steps you can potentially save yourself a lot of time and aggravation, not to mention money.
What to be concerned about:
Interior damage can be caused by leaky roofs or even broken pipes.
Exterior damage can be caused by heavy snow and ice, high winds or even tree limbs.
To prepare your home for the winter season:
- Trim back any tree limbs or branches that may cause damage or break during a heavy snow or wind storm.
- Clean our all gutters and down spouts to ensure melting ice and snow will drain quickly away from the structure.
- Turn off all water to any exterior faucets, sprinkler systems, etc and drain any residual water
- Cover all exposed exterior water pipes with insulation or special foam housings
- Insulate your water heater and water pipes especially any that may run under the structure
- Know where your main water cut-off valve is just in case you have a problem
During the winter season:
- Remove snow and ice from your roof regularly, try not to let it get above a foot (depending on the construction of the roof). If you can not safely access your roof a contractor can often assist, and is licensed and insured to do so.
- If icicles are hanging from your roof/gutters don't break them off unless you are sure they will not cause physical damage to your home, if you are not sure use a de-icer product to assist in the decomposition
- In extreme cold keep a faucet open just enough for a slow drip to prevent your pipes from freezing
- Maintain a high enough temperature inside the home to help prevent pipes from freezing (there are different thoughts on this generally 55 is acceptable)
- Opening cabinets that contain water pipes so they get the heat is helpful as well, ie under your sink, the laundry room, etc.
Keep in mind if you do experience damage your best option for quick quality repairs is a local licensed contractor. Also keep in mind if there is an insurance claim involved most likely the insurer will require a licensed contractor do the work not sure how to find a great contractor, check out our prior blog post.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
“Catch a Contractor” if you haven’t seen this Spike TV show you have probably heard of it; don’t let this happen to you! Follow these steps to find the right contractor. One well known contractor once said “People shop for cars more carefully then they shop for contractors.” Think about that quote, picking the wrong contractor could not only make your life a living hell but could put you and your family in danger. A well respected architect offered that you never hire a friend and you think twice before hiring a relative.
First how do you find a good contractor, start with word of mouth individuals close to you may have had similar work done and can point you in the right direction. Now-a-days people do a lot of research online, this may be a good place to start but don’t rely too heavily on these as they can be manipulated, options of this sort include Yelp and Angie’s List.
You will want to reach out to those you are interested in for a list of references. Do phone interviews, ask specific questions especially how many projects like yours have then done, can they provide financial references as well as job references. Check with your local building inspector and Better Business Bureau to make sure the contractor has a good reputation.
Once you get a good sense of who you enjoyed talking to on the phone, meet with them in person at the job location. Flush out if they are easy to talk to, are they listening to you or talking over you. Do they seem to understand the direction you are going with the project maybe offering up information you had not even considered. Remember communication will be key if you hire them, you want someone you can work with especially if they will be inside your home.
Ask for information about recent projects and older projects, be sure to visit the locations (get permission from the owner first) to see the actual work as a lot can be hidden or touched up in photos, and the older projects will show how well the work has held up. Try to visit a job in process to see if they really are as “clean” as they say. Talk to the owner are they happy with the contractor even under the duress of the work. Don’t be afraid to ask if there were any cost over-runs or timing issues. Pay close attention to their body language and what they are saying, try to flush out if they avoiding any questions or if they really felt the contractor did a great job.
Depending on the extent of the work to be performed full plans may be required, a conscientious contractor will request a these plans before bidding. Provide all the contractors you wish to get bids from the same plans so you are comparing apples to apples. Make sure all the bids are presented the same, ask for a breakdown of materials and labor so you can easily see any glaring differences.
Part of the bidding process should be a payment plan based on the work, never pay the full amount up front. Most payment schedules are 10% up front, then 3-25% payments at set job completion points and the final 10% due when all are in agreement the work has been fully completed. Any potential cost-over runs should be discussed prior to the purchase ie the hardware you chose for your kitchen cabinets is no longer available a slightly more expensive one is, this should be documented and the additional cost noted in the next payment.
Price should never be your guide when choosing a contractor, it is suggested you toss out immediately any extremely low bid or overly high bid. Then look at who you felt most comfortable with, and whose work you liked the best, this may not be the least expensive but may make the difference between a pleasant experience and a harrowing one.
Finally, get it all down in writing. Sign an official contract, make sure you have copies of all the documentation required to do your job from liens to permits to copies of the contractors insurance. Good luck, though you shouldn’t need it with the right contractor on the job.
First how do you find a good contractor, start with word of mouth individuals close to you may have had similar work done and can point you in the right direction. Now-a-days people do a lot of research online, this may be a good place to start but don’t rely too heavily on these as they can be manipulated, options of this sort include Yelp and Angie’s List.
You will want to reach out to those you are interested in for a list of references. Do phone interviews, ask specific questions especially how many projects like yours have then done, can they provide financial references as well as job references. Check with your local building inspector and Better Business Bureau to make sure the contractor has a good reputation.
Once you get a good sense of who you enjoyed talking to on the phone, meet with them in person at the job location. Flush out if they are easy to talk to, are they listening to you or talking over you. Do they seem to understand the direction you are going with the project maybe offering up information you had not even considered. Remember communication will be key if you hire them, you want someone you can work with especially if they will be inside your home.
Ask for information about recent projects and older projects, be sure to visit the locations (get permission from the owner first) to see the actual work as a lot can be hidden or touched up in photos, and the older projects will show how well the work has held up. Try to visit a job in process to see if they really are as “clean” as they say. Talk to the owner are they happy with the contractor even under the duress of the work. Don’t be afraid to ask if there were any cost over-runs or timing issues. Pay close attention to their body language and what they are saying, try to flush out if they avoiding any questions or if they really felt the contractor did a great job.
Depending on the extent of the work to be performed full plans may be required, a conscientious contractor will request a these plans before bidding. Provide all the contractors you wish to get bids from the same plans so you are comparing apples to apples. Make sure all the bids are presented the same, ask for a breakdown of materials and labor so you can easily see any glaring differences.
Part of the bidding process should be a payment plan based on the work, never pay the full amount up front. Most payment schedules are 10% up front, then 3-25% payments at set job completion points and the final 10% due when all are in agreement the work has been fully completed. Any potential cost-over runs should be discussed prior to the purchase ie the hardware you chose for your kitchen cabinets is no longer available a slightly more expensive one is, this should be documented and the additional cost noted in the next payment.
Price should never be your guide when choosing a contractor, it is suggested you toss out immediately any extremely low bid or overly high bid. Then look at who you felt most comfortable with, and whose work you liked the best, this may not be the least expensive but may make the difference between a pleasant experience and a harrowing one.
Finally, get it all down in writing. Sign an official contract, make sure you have copies of all the documentation required to do your job from liens to permits to copies of the contractors insurance. Good luck, though you shouldn’t need it with the right contractor on the job.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Kitchen cabinets, such a benign subject, or so you might
think, but in reality choosing the right cabinet for your kitchen can create a
kitchen you can’t wait to use or create a fear factor reaction every time you
enter. Here are five tried and true items to consider before your final
decision.
The material, solid wood is still the top choice for
kitchens, but other materials like metal, thermofoil, stainless steel, and
melamine are readily available. When deciding on the material to use consider
longevity for both durability and likeability. If you choose a material that cannot
be updated or changed like stainless steel then that is what you will have
until you tear them out, however hardwoods can be stained or painted to provide
a completely different look as your tastes change.
The style of the door is important, there is a style for
every taste from ultra-modern to highly detailed old world to no doors at all.
Any door with more detail will cost more and require more work to clean and
maintain but this should not stop you if this is the look you are going for,
remember you want something that makes you want to use the room not run from
it.
Mounting your chosen door, may not seem important but the
mounting can add or detract from the look you are wanting to achieve. Regular
overlay shows the entire frame of the door and is the standard in most homes
today. For a more modern clean look you may want to choose a full overlay which
will hide the cabinets behind the doors and only the door seams will be visible.
Inset doors are very rare, these are laid inside the frame.
The finish will help meld the material with your overall
look and can be as simple as a light stain or even natural for wood to
complicated finishes like distressed or glazed. Keep in mind lighter finishes
hide dirt better than darker finishes, just as less gloss hides finger prints
better than a high gloss.
Handles, knobs and even the hinges can impact the final
product. You can completely change the look of any cabinet by simply changing
the look of the hardware, taking a cabinet from traditional to country or
contemporary to ultra-modern. Think about ease of use too, you don’t want to
have to work to open that drawer or cabinet.
Don’t let the process of picking our your new cabinets or
even updating an existing set overwhelm you, a good general contractor or
remodeler can walk you through the process and provide examples and
suggestions.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Can’t decide…granite, laminate, stainless steel – there are so many counter top options to choose from which one is right for you? Three factors to consider are price, maintenance and appearance.
Prices can range from $2 per square foot to $250 per square foot, with few falling right in the mid-range, which may be a blessing in disguise as the mid-range counters have the most critics.
Maintenance must be considered carefully choosing a counter top some require regular almost daily upkeep while others can be left alone with little or no upkeep save standard cleaning. Whether or not it can stand up to a hot plate or knife cut, should also be considered depending on who will be using the kitchen, a child just learning to cook or playing in the kitchen could ruin your pristine butcher block counter.
Finally, the look; do you desire something welcoming and warm, or are you looking for a strong clean look. Do you like variety in the color or do you prefer a nice consistency?
Here are a few pro’s and con’s for the more popular counter tops.
Laminates aren’t necessarily the “in” much talked about option but they are still the number one counter top material used in homes. They are easy to care for resisting most stains, and are easy to maintain. Laminates are great for matching colors, or if you have a particular scheme you are looking for, and they are extremely budget friendly. The major drawback is they are easily damaged by hot pots, sharp knives and abrasive cleaners.
Solid surface otherwise known as Corian entered the market about 35 years ago, and are thriving still. They are considered non-porous and as such are great for food preparation and difficult to stain. They can be formed into almost any shape and size making them great options for hard to fit areas. Because they are uniform throughout small scratches and damage can be easily buffed out. This type of counter is expensive and does require an installer who knows what they are doing.
Granite is still very highly desired especially since it is naturally stain resistant and when sealed even tougher. Granite has gone from being considered exotic to much more accessible and affordable. Every slab is unique, which though attractive to many is not so to others. It will require professional installation particularly if there are seams or cuts to be made.
Engineered Stone is a newer type of counter top that can resemble various types of stone. This type of counter is desirable for their non-porous state making them nearly impossible to stain, and they are scratch resistant. This product is expensive, and can crack or change color if exposed to severe temperatures hot or cold.
Stainless Steel is used extensively in restaurants, however due to the expense and fabrication are rarely found in homes. Though they are easy to clean and hold up to hot pots, they easily show water marks and finger prints.
Wood though not overly expensive becomes so when you go to an actual butcher block. Wood requires much more care and is not antibacterial. An oil finish is recommended, but for eating areas a varnish is a better option for protection.
Tile though inexpensive and even an easy do-it-yourself job, it is held in by grout which can stain and become dirty easily. Not all tiles are created equal granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are the most sturdy, marble or limestone are absorbent and soft thus not good options for a top.
There are more exotic types of tops, marble, soapstone, concrete, richlite, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. As always work with your contractor closely so that they can guide you through the maze of counter top options to the outcome that best suits your kitchens look and your personal needs.
Prices can range from $2 per square foot to $250 per square foot, with few falling right in the mid-range, which may be a blessing in disguise as the mid-range counters have the most critics.
Maintenance must be considered carefully choosing a counter top some require regular almost daily upkeep while others can be left alone with little or no upkeep save standard cleaning. Whether or not it can stand up to a hot plate or knife cut, should also be considered depending on who will be using the kitchen, a child just learning to cook or playing in the kitchen could ruin your pristine butcher block counter.
Finally, the look; do you desire something welcoming and warm, or are you looking for a strong clean look. Do you like variety in the color or do you prefer a nice consistency?
Here are a few pro’s and con’s for the more popular counter tops.
Laminates aren’t necessarily the “in” much talked about option but they are still the number one counter top material used in homes. They are easy to care for resisting most stains, and are easy to maintain. Laminates are great for matching colors, or if you have a particular scheme you are looking for, and they are extremely budget friendly. The major drawback is they are easily damaged by hot pots, sharp knives and abrasive cleaners.
Solid surface otherwise known as Corian entered the market about 35 years ago, and are thriving still. They are considered non-porous and as such are great for food preparation and difficult to stain. They can be formed into almost any shape and size making them great options for hard to fit areas. Because they are uniform throughout small scratches and damage can be easily buffed out. This type of counter is expensive and does require an installer who knows what they are doing.
Granite is still very highly desired especially since it is naturally stain resistant and when sealed even tougher. Granite has gone from being considered exotic to much more accessible and affordable. Every slab is unique, which though attractive to many is not so to others. It will require professional installation particularly if there are seams or cuts to be made.
Engineered Stone is a newer type of counter top that can resemble various types of stone. This type of counter is desirable for their non-porous state making them nearly impossible to stain, and they are scratch resistant. This product is expensive, and can crack or change color if exposed to severe temperatures hot or cold.
Stainless Steel is used extensively in restaurants, however due to the expense and fabrication are rarely found in homes. Though they are easy to clean and hold up to hot pots, they easily show water marks and finger prints.
Wood though not overly expensive becomes so when you go to an actual butcher block. Wood requires much more care and is not antibacterial. An oil finish is recommended, but for eating areas a varnish is a better option for protection.
Tile though inexpensive and even an easy do-it-yourself job, it is held in by grout which can stain and become dirty easily. Not all tiles are created equal granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are the most sturdy, marble or limestone are absorbent and soft thus not good options for a top.
There are more exotic types of tops, marble, soapstone, concrete, richlite, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. As always work with your contractor closely so that they can guide you through the maze of counter top options to the outcome that best suits your kitchens look and your personal needs.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Dreaming of that perfect kitchen? Visited a friend and didn't want to leave their bathroom? Attended a party and couldn't believe the custom cabinetry?
When you see an idea / look you like snap a picture! Missed the chance to grab a picture, don’t worry check out any of the great home design magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and Architectural Digest, or go on-line to www.pinterest.com, www.houzz.com or even HGTV’s site all provide great ideas.
Pull all your ideas together in a scrapbook, or digitally, so when you meet up with your contractor you don’t have to dig for your dream ideas.
Once you get some ideas sit down with your contractor and make sure what you want will actually work in the space you have, a good contractor will be honest and let you know if your desire for a copper stove hood will actually work in the confines of your space and if not they will have great options for you. Perhaps you are longing for woodblock counter-tops, these might be perfect for a single person, or couple without children, but in home with children your gorgeous counter-tops could quickly look like old wood ready for the fireplace as they are easily damaged, a good contractor will take into account your current situation and your future needs before moving forward.
Now go forth to find those looks you love and call a contractor you can trust to help you through the process and leave you loving the outcome.
When you see an idea / look you like snap a picture! Missed the chance to grab a picture, don’t worry check out any of the great home design magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and Architectural Digest, or go on-line to www.pinterest.com, www.houzz.com or even HGTV’s site all provide great ideas.
Pull all your ideas together in a scrapbook, or digitally, so when you meet up with your contractor you don’t have to dig for your dream ideas.
Once you get some ideas sit down with your contractor and make sure what you want will actually work in the space you have, a good contractor will be honest and let you know if your desire for a copper stove hood will actually work in the confines of your space and if not they will have great options for you. Perhaps you are longing for woodblock counter-tops, these might be perfect for a single person, or couple without children, but in home with children your gorgeous counter-tops could quickly look like old wood ready for the fireplace as they are easily damaged, a good contractor will take into account your current situation and your future needs before moving forward.
Now go forth to find those looks you love and call a contractor you can trust to help you through the process and leave you loving the outcome.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Check it out we are now featured on Houzz.com - a web site and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement. It is a great place to get ideas, talk to others about your ideas and of course find a great contractor!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Check out the new site at www.zieglercontractor.com! Let us know what you think, or give us a call for a free no-obligation quote!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)